A cover is an excellent accessory for prolonging the life of your steering wheel. However, the cover may become damaged and will no longer function over time.
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How to remove steering wheel cover once it’s worn out? There are three steps for the removal process:
- Step 1: Deactivate your vehicle
- Step 2: Detach the wheel
- Step 3: Remove the cover
This article will discuss each step in detail. We also recommend some ideas to make the best of your job. Let’s join us and learn how to bring a new look to your steering wheel!
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How To Remove Steering Wheel Cover?
To avoid damage to the interiors during the removal procedure, you must remove the steering wheel first. The detailed instructions are as follows:
Step 1: Deactivate your vehicle
Remember to switch off the car thoroughly before taking any action. Also, remove the key from the engine to prevent it from linking to a power source.
Don’t forget to check under the hood of your automobile for the battery.
Step 2: Detach the steering wheel
This step is essential to the whole process. We will divide it into smaller parts so that you can follow it easily.
- Loosen the screws
You can use a wrench that suits the hex screw to loosen the screw until the wire on the opposing end is free.
Then, go on to the next positive end. It’s worth noting that extracting the entire screw isn’t necessary. Loosening it will suffice.
- Remove the trim
The trim is in charge of protecting the bolts below the steering wheel. The form and size of the trim vary depending on the vehicle type and manufacturer.
To effectively remove the trim, carefully pull it out with a screwdriver without damaging it.
- Remove the airbag
Find the two bolts connected to the handwheel. The bolts holding the handwheel in place are placed backward. As a result, you’ll need to loosen them using a socket wrench.
Choose the appropriate head for the screw. Most screws are hex-shaped, but some types need the use of a star-shaped one.
Now, you can remove the airbag altogether.
- Disconnect the wires
If the steering wheel features buttons for other purposes, there will be more cables that you need to detach.
Make sure to disconnect the wires as well as harnesses. This step helps you remove the handwheel easier.
- Remove the handwheel
There is only one last bolt at the center of the handwheel. You need to unscrew it counterclockwise and then remove it.
The steering wheel may have two spots on two sides of its shaft. Once you’ve located it, use a puller to take it out.
Step 3: Remove the cover
A leather cover is hard to remove. However, leather is the most popular material for steering wheel coating because of its luxurious and glossy appearance.
To achieve the task, you need to prepare scissors or a ratchet.
The ratchet comes in handy if there is a bolt to attach the cover to the handwheel. You can use the tool to unscrew the bolt. Once you’ve removed the connection, you can tear the cover quickly and effortlessly.
If there is no bolt, you can cut the cover with scissors. Don’t use much force since the wrapping will peel off easily.
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Other Methods To Remove The Steering Wheel Cover?
Aside from using scissors, you can also try other tools to loosen the wrapping.
Employ a force
The idea behind this solution is alternative-force work, which claims that you may release a tight object by continuously pushing it in different directions.
First, all you have to do is move the cover towards you, then pull it away from you. You need to repeat the procedure until the wrapping has loosened and is removable.
It may take some time to complete the task. Hence, if you are impatient, this method can’t work for you. In this case, move to the other two.
Use some heat
This approach aims to employ a blow dryer to weaken the cover and make it easier to detach.
Start by setting the blow dryer to its maximum mode and blow about 10 seconds through each part. Then, you will find it easier to detach the cover.
Why Should You Remove The Wheel Cover?
The steering wheel cover needs replacing when it’s too dirty for the driver to hold.
Consider how many times you’ve eaten in your automobile. You accidentally grabbed the steering wheel with your oily hands, leaving oil grease marks on it.
Alternatively, when you repair your car, you test if it works by touching the handwheel with your dirty hands. All of your unintended acts will ultimately cause damage to the cover.
As a result, the cover will become dusty, fracture, dry out, and degrade over time. That’s when you’ll need to change it since it’s no longer up to the task.
A damaged cover can’t protect the handwheel. You may get ill due to the bacteria forming on the wrapping over time.
Final Words
A steering wheel cover doesn’t only work for aesthetics, but it also protects the handwheel from damage. As a result, you need to remove the cover when it can’t perform correctly.
The removal process is relatively straightforward, with some simple steps. Remember to remove it to avoid your steering from scratching carefully.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for being interested in the post!